APA Basslink - SSNS contract review application - Cover Letter - May 2026

On 1 May 2026, APA Group submitted an application seeking an AER determination on whether the expenditure for proposed system security network support (SSNS) payments, and methodologies for such payments, set out in a draft contract for Basslink will likely be prudent and efficient.

The application sets out the terms for load shedding and generation tripping services to be procured by Basslink from Hydro Tasmania under the existing Frequency Control System Protection Scheme (FCSPS). The application also provides information to justify the prudency and efficiency of these terms against the AER’s assessment criteria set out in our System Security Network Support Payment guideline.

Due to confidentiality requirements, some elements of the application are redacted to protect confidential and commercial-in-confidence information related to specific terms of the draft contract, and ongoing contract negotiations.